The emergence of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), a.k.a. bird flu, in dairy cattle across the U.S. has introduced an urgent, complex challenge to both human and animal health. Timely research into the spread of bird flu is necessary to protect our agricultural economy, livestock, farm workers, and the public. Through my summer research in the 2024 Veterinary Investigator Program for DVM students, I developed a preliminary mathematical model of H5N1 transmission in a dairy herd. Funding from the CIDA 2025 RIF will allow me to complete this model, expanding the predictive capabilities and epidemiologic value of the model to farmers, veterinarians, and policymakers.